Using Hand-Bearing Compasses to Stay Safe in the Sea
Sailing is a beautiful sport and recreational activity if only it is entirely safe. Various equipment provides the right boat’s functioning and operating, but expensive electronics are not enough to ensure security. The simplest devices named hand-bearing compasses contribute to seamless navigation and work as a wild card when all the other tools become useless.
What Are Hand-Bearing Compasses, and How Do They Work?
It deals with portable magnetic devices with a built-in sighting feature to measure a relative bearing from a watercraft to another object. Advanced GPS systems cannot crow out hand-bearing compasses since these handy tools stay beyond competition despite the digital charting development. When lights go out, the GPS suffers from bugs, and navigational systems shutdown hand-bearing compasses remain in service and do their job. The top-quality products feature accuracy, readable scale, well-damped building, and effective operating angles.
How to Use Hand-Bearing Compass
Hand-bearing compasses are useful items to have on a boat for coastal navigation and to avoid collisions. You can take a bearing on a land object and plot the line on a chart in the first case. In the latter one, you should take a bearing on a vessel moving towards your boat, and if the bearing doesn’t change, it means you will collide. The devices also help understand whether a rival is gaining or losing ground during a regatta. See also How Does a Jet Boat Work.
What to Look for in Hand-Bearing Compass
There are five critical things that we should look for in a hand-bearing compass:
- The tool’s primary style.
The hockey-puck style, monocular, and vertical handle are the three main designs presented on the market. The first compasses work mechanically, while two other modifications require batteries. Besides, a hand-bearing compass might be a part of the high-end binoculars.
- Internal night light.
Some models have a little LED light that starts glowing by a simple push of a button. Other models don’t have this feature so, you should decide whether it’s essential for you. Of course, if you never go sailing at night, the internal light is not necessary.
- The resolution of the bearing.
Many models have a one-degree bearing making it challenging to take a one-degree accuracy on a moving boat. Other devices come with five-degree resolution
- How compact the compass is.
Size matters with hand-bearing compasses. Some models fit easily into the pocket, or you can wear them around the neck. Other items are more oversized designed for use and storage.
- Whether you need a steering compass.
Steering modifications come have brackets to mount them and continue driving a vessel. The most advanced models have several bearing alternatives to try different positions for fast installation and removal.
Other Features to Consider When Choosing the Hand-Bearing Compass
Previously mentioned specs can hardly show the compass’ quality. They indicate various models, allowing people to choose an appropriate one based on their needs and preferences. The following features indicate overall quality and extras that make their use even more comfortable. So, let’s list the possible benefits you can get while thinking about the best hand-bearing compass.
- Waterproof models rock.
- The rubber-clad surface prevents the item from slipping out of your hands.
- Top-quality casing will keep the device safe from damage.
- A thoroughly engraved card facilitates its reading when the device is close to your eyes.
- Bamboo, plastic, and other rigid holders are convenient to hang them on the wall to store the compass.
- The best units are usually quick to dampen.
- Easy and fast battery change might become decisive in some situations.
- Reliable eye-cap will never get lost at the worst possible time.
- The direction sensing system allows calibrating the device before initial use.
Generally, a hand-bearing compass should feature good overall performance and legible card numbers. It must effectively align with the measured object and read accurately.